Cirelli, Abruzzo

Cirelli is a new organic farm of 22ha in Abruzzo, conceived by local entrepreneur Francesco Cirelli and his partner Michela in 2003. Tucked away high among the sandy Colline Teramane near the village of Atri, some 8kms from the Adriatic sea, the stunningly located estate is dedicated not only to growing 5ha (of guyot trellised) vines but also to the production of garlic, fig, olive oil and grain; they also have geese! Bottling of the wine started in vintage 2008. They produce a fresh range of autochthonous wines, Trebbiano, Cerasuolo and Montepulciano d’Abruzzo made in stainless-steel, together with a more terroir-expressive series achieved though the careful use of 8hl amphora.

A more serious rosé made by organic winegrower Francesco Cirelli, this manages to balance complexity with vibrant and youthful accessibility. Cherry fruit dominates, but attractive wild flowers and mint add layers to the wine, while there is a subtle tannic grip on the finish.Fiona Hayes - Buyer

Cirelli’s white, loess-like soils seem to bring out the best in their Trebbiano fruit; indeed there’s an almost rose grapefruit character in the Trebbiano d’Abruzzo, one that’s been fermented in terracotta amphora. There’s a suggestion of overripe lemons, of drying hay. There’s great texture, of fleshy generosity; the presence of the Adriatic keenly felt in the wines sapidity. Pulsating.David Berry Green

Inky deep purple, the nose is rich and pure with sooty, violet and blackberry coulis notes, broad and dense. Fermented and aged in free-standing terracotta amphora (alla Romano), wild bramble notes flavour the palate. Still young, from 10-year-old vines that line that sandy white Atri, Colline Teramane slopes, this 100% Montepulciano d’Abruzzo has crunchy presence and juicy fruit; the cooler, long growing season providing great freshness; the harvest at the end of Sept ember 2013 taking place before the October rain. Bottled in May 2014.David Berry Green